合格

• Reading: ごうかく
• Romaji: goukaku
• Kanji breakdown: 合 (gou) — match, fit, combine; 格 (kaku) — standard, status, rank
• Pronunciation: /goː.ka.kɯ/

Meaning

Passing an exam; pass; success. Meeting the required standard to be accepted.

Functions as a noun or する verb (合格する). Most commonly used for entrance exams and certifications. The opposite is 不合格 (fugoukaku, failure). Receiving 合格 on a university entrance exam is one of the most celebrated moments in a Japanese student's life.

Examples

1. 大学の入学試験に合格しました。 I passed the university entrance exam.
2. 運転免許の試験に合格するのは難しかった。 Passing the driver's license test was difficult.
3. 合格の知らせを聞いて、家族みんなで喜んだ。 When we heard the news of passing, the whole family celebrated.

Usage Guide

Context: exams, certifications, university entrance

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 合 (gou, match/fit) and 格 (kaku, standard/status). Literally means matching the standard — meeting the criteria for acceptance.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal